The Door County Peninsula and Washington Island are steeped in history and tradition. There are clues everywhere but, have you put all the pieces together? Here's a treasure map to help you.
Season(s)
Rain or Shine Year Round
Activities
- Ship Wrecks
- Historical Museums
- Maritime History
- Pioneer Homes
- Farm Museum
Activities in Detail
Shipwrecks
In cooperation with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Door County is establishing a Maritime Trail, providing divers and landlubbers another taste of the county's remarkable maritime heritage. Over 200 shipwrecks lie in the waters surrounding Door County and have attracted divers for years. The cold fresh water preserves the wrecks and provides divers an opportunity to view these historic vessels. With the addition of land based historic markers, everyone can learn about the rich heritage entombed in the waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. For more info on individual wrecks, visit www.maritimetrails.org.
Museums & Historical Attractions
Björklunden's Boyton Chapel
Hwy 57, one mile S. of Baileys Harbor
(920) 839-2216
www.lawrence.edu/about/bjork/chapel.shtml
Crafted in ancient Norwegian style, the Björklunden Chapel is ornately decorated with handcarved woodwork & 41 handpainted murals. Guided tours 1:00-4:00 Mondays & Wednesdays, June 13-Aug. 31. Admission $3.00/person.
Crossroads at Big Creek
Web site: www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org
Crossroads is located on the east side of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
with the main entrance on Michigan St., just east of the intersection of Michigan and Highway 42/57. This 115-acre preserve includes several specific educational resource centers and an extensive all-season trail system that connects to evergreen and hardwood forests, streams, seasonal ponds, wetlands and upland meadows.
Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society
Sturgeon Bay Location
120 N Madison, next to downtown bridge, Sturgeon Bay
(920) 743-5958
www.dcmm.org
Shipbuilding history, submarine periscope with WWII exhibit, ship models, refurbished pilothouse, lighthouse gallery. Gift shop with extensive selection of maritime books and gifts. Lighthouse cruise tickets sold. Call about group tours.
Click Here for "Door County and its relationship to the water"
Gills Rock Location
12724 Wisconsin Bay Rd, Gills Rock
(920) 854-1844
Features 1930 commercial fishing tug "Hope," shipwreck exhibit, engines and models. Guided tours daily.
Door County Historical Museum
18 N 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay
(920) 743-5809
Upon entering the Scandinavian-style building, visitors are greeted with a spectacular natural history wildlife diorama featuring a life-sized beech tree and native species including over 90 birds, white-tailed deer, badger, fisher, and more. One wing is devoted to the pioneer fire station with restored trucks and fire-fighting artifacts. "Best small museum in the Midwest" - Chicago Tribune.
Click Here for more info via PDF
Ephraim Foundation Museums
3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim
(920) 854-9688
www.ephraim.org
Iverson House, Anderson Store & Barn, Pioneer Schoolhouse & Goodletson Cabin. Historical walking tours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10:30 a.m. Iverson tours every hour on the 1/2 hour, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Other special programs throughout the season.
The Historic Noble House
Corner of Hwy 42 & Main St, Fish Creek
(920) 868-2091
Docent guided tours 11 to 3:30, mid-May through mid-Oct. except Mon. This 1875 Victorian home is an authentic example of Greek Revival farmhouse architecture and is Fish Creek's oldest frame residence. Many original furnishings & artifacts are displayed. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Adult $3; Children $1.
Old Anderson House Museum, Comer of the Past
Hwy 57 at Country Ln. & Fieldcrest Rd., 1.5 mi south of Sister Bay
(920) 854-9242
Renovated 1875 farmhouse, restored, historic farm buildings, log cabins. View turn-of-the-century furnishings, antiques, artifacts, photos, tools & farm implements. Heritage programs and demonstrations on Saturdays. Farmer's Market every Sat. in July-Sept. from 8 a.m. to noon.
Washington Island Farm Museum
Jackson Harbor Rd.
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 847-2156